Casey had thought the same thing the last time she'd spoken with her brother. Something was happening in Patrick's life he didn't want to speak of.
"Duels are not legal," Kelly moved away from his brother and Casey, turning toward the road which would lead him into town. "I can stop this."
"Which makes the situation worse; the survivor will end up in jail," Liam said. "And I doubt if any of us can stop it. They will meet and hopefully no one will die."
"Where are they? Who is to be Patrick's second?" Kelly asked.
"Don't know. They were in the middle of town but I think they will be going to the park," Liam said, his long strides making it hard for Casey to keep up without running.
"Don't they do these things at dawn?" Casey asked, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. The shaking of her legs would not stop and she didn't think they could move any faster. "Duels at dawn," she muttered.
"Don't know," Liam repeated.
Wind whistled through the tree branches overhead. What sun there was an hour ago had vanished to be replaced by dark brooding clouds.
"I'll be his second," Kelly stopped Casey and touched her cheek with a tenderness and longing she'd never felt before.
~ * ~
"Holy smoke, do you think things have gotten a little out of hand?" Moya asked. "Duels, what kind of curse did Conn put on Florence to make him challenge Patrick?" Moya's wings fluttered frantically, wisps of gold grew surrounding her in a golden haze. Everything had been going smoothly, her plans for the couple materializing beautifully. He'd almost kissed Casey, would have if not for his brother interfering. A duel, oh my, what to do? They had to put a stop to this stupidity.
"I think it was the other way around. Florence uttered an ultimatum and Patrick challenged him." Oran was the voice of calm; at least it seemed that was what he tried to be. "It is a mess, that is for sure. A very messy mess indeed."
"He had to be willing. Did anyone force the bumbling fool, Florence, to agree to the duel? This isn't going to turn out well no matter who wins." Oran flew beside Moya who rushed to the park, following behind and in front of the humans.
"We can put suggestions in their heads, but I'm afraid the damage has already been done. What to do? What to do?" She felt moisture well up in her eyes. She didn't want to cry. Crying would make her soggy and she didn't like soggy.
"Don't worry, Moya," Oran said, "Somehow we'll make this all turn out the way it is supposed. You've got to be up for a little challenge now and then."
"We've already been tested, more than I want to be. I didn't expect Conn to be as persistent as he's been. He doesn't even like Florence. So why is he pursuing this?" Moya fluttered beside Casey, watching her and wishing Casey could see her. Casey didn't believe in anything but if she'd become a believer, they could see each other.
"Of course he doesn't like his charge. He's never liked the family. Don't you think that's why he cursed him in the first place? They aren't very nice." Oran seemed resigned to the situation at hand and searched for a solution. He was the antithesis of Moya and very, very good for her ego and her emotions. He kept her in check, kept her from flying off into a ditsy dizzy when things didn't go the way she wanted.
"He didn't have to involve us in his disappointment. He could simply look for a new family. Instead, I think he takes pleasure in the horrible mischief he inspires," Moya pointed out to Oran who she knew already understood what Conn was about.
"You have to put a stop to him, Oran," Moya said, her eyes simmering and her wings flashing golden sparks.
"How am I supposed to do that?" Oran asked exasperated with the situation as well as Moya's insistence he could fix the problem.
"Cast a spell. Put a curse on Florence."
~ * ~
"What light is this I see?" Kelly watched Casey's balcony, his voice weak, his legs shaking. Candle light floated magically from her room. The moon had vanished and only a few stars still twinkled in the growing light of the morning. The duel would be fought today if both participants were stupid enough to pursue the foolishness wrought the day before.
"Kelly? Is that you?" Casey leaned over the balcony, candlelight silhouetting her figure.
"You're there." Kelly's heart lodged in his throat. He prayed she didn't mean to go to the park. He wanted to ask but didn't want to put the seed in her mind. He prayed instead.
"We must end this idiocy. There is no reason for anyone to die and there is no reason for us to be shoved apart. I will give up my name for you."
"I am the enemy. And I would not have you give up all you love and hold dear. I would find a way to change that which we cannot change. There must be a way, for I cannot remain your enemy."
"You will never be the enemy," she said.
"But I am and until we uncover the reason, it will remain so." He climbed the trellis until he was a whisper away from Casey. "I would have the kiss that was denied me yesterday at the rocks," he told her. "Would you be grantin' it? And I would have the kiss before I depart to watch the duel unfold. I have given my word I would be Patrick's second. What a fool I am. The deed will alienate me from my family."
"We can leave. We can go to America or England or--"
"If we left, the feud would grow worse. Right now--"
"I understand," she told him softly.
He caressed her cheek, pushed her hair away from her face and traced her jaw line. With a finger under her chin, he slowly brought her lips to his. So sweet, so very sweet and innocent and he was thinking of ways to take her from her family. He could not do that.
His tongue traced the seam of her lips. Her hands rested on his shoulders then he felt her fingers against his neck. She returned his kiss, opened her lips slightly. He found a way to taste her more deeply, reveling in the sweetness that was Casey.
~ * ~
"A kiss--they kissed," Moya fluttered happily around her young charge, her wings a brilliant silver.
"And did you have doubts? Where our magic is concerned it is a given, don't you think, Moya?" Oran said with an arrogance to his words Moya understood and loved.
"Do you think we should be tellin' them about the feud now that they've taken the next step in their relationship?" Moya watched the pair as he traced the line of her jaw, his eyes alight with passion and love.
"That the feud began because of a piece of white lace?" Oran asked disgustedly. "Belgian lace."
"Well, we both know it was a little more than that."
"Was it? I don't see how. One lady wanted the lace, the other did too then all hell broke loose," Oran said.
"And the hell has lasted more than a hundred years. Don't you think it is time for this to end? I know I do and the young lovers need to be able to--to--love each other," Moya said with a shake of her body that sent faerie dust flying everywhere.
"Look they're kissing again," Oran said, watching Moya. She grinned then turned back to Oran. "You did that to get me off the subject."
"Well how do you plan on letting them know about the feud?" Oran asked her heatedly.
"Sarah, her nurse knows," Moya told him with a little hmmph added for his benefit. She smiled at the young lovers, her heart a flutter with happiness.
"And do you think anyone will believe her?"
"Casey's father knows the truth. Once it is out in the open, no one will question the validity because there are people who know," Moya said, crossing her arms over her chest put emphasis to her words. "They will have to stop fighting."
~ * ~
A sound from behind startled them apart. "I must go," he said. "Someone comes."
She touched his lips with her fingertip, tilting her head slightly to one side. "Take care," she whispered.
Kelly watched her as he stayed to the shadows, slipping through the yard and over the brick wall encircling the house. By the time he climbed over the wall, the shadows were no longer dark. The sun cast a brilliant light on the earth. His pace turned into a lope. He reached the park to find his brother there, and to watch
Florence's carriage roll to a lumbering stop. Behind the carriage, Patrick rode on a huge black stallion.
Chapter Five
Casey raced through the streets, her skirts hiked. She dodged the foot traffic, slipping on mud before sliding into the street, her breath puffed from her.
"Get out o' the way," a frenzied driver yelled at her, shaking his fist. "Bloody hell," she heard as the phaeton passed, sending mud and water flying through the air.
"You get out of my way," Casey mumbled under her breath, wiping road dirt from her cheeks, and pulling the ribbon from her hair. She battled the people on the walkways and the carriages on the streets.
To the east the sun stood boldly above the village. She would be late. She would not be there in time to--do what--to stop the foolishness. Men, bah, one would think they didn't have a brain in their wee heads. All brawn and bravado, not a moment of thought marked this duel.
When she stepped into the clearing, the quiet calm surrounded her. The sun warmed the earth while no birds sung in the trees. Patrick's horse whinnied but there were no other sounds. As if in slow motion, men moved through the trees. A hazy morning mist hovered above the green grass. She closed her eyes, listening; praying somehow she could stop this, knowing no one would listen to her.
When she opened them again, Patrick and Florence stood back to back, pistols pointed skyward. They counted the steps--one, two, three. She cried out, No! But she heard no words. No! No! She raced forward, but tripped on a tree root. Sprawled on the ground she watched. No one paid attention to her. Four--five--the counting went on and she was helpless.
Six--seven--eight--a shot rang out. No! She flew into the clearing. Patrick lay on the ground. Blood. God, blood everywhere.
Liam cursed, men shouted. Florence stood with his pistol pointing to the ground.
"You foul--bloody coward," Kelly roared.
"Everyone will know what you did today," Liam swore again.
"It's just a flesh wound," Patrick said with a grimace as he pushed off the wet grass with one arm and stood. Blood trickled from the wound and pooled on the grass.
"You're lucky the coward is as bad a shot as he is a man," Kelly said.
"And what did all of you prove here today?" Casey said determined to find answers. She turned on Florence, "What did you think? That you could get away with this? If Patrick had died, you'd hang."
Florence shrugged, the smirk on his face telling Casey he had no remorse. "My family would deny wrong doing. And yes, I know what kind of shot your brother is. I thought to save my life. Money speaks louder than words. In a few days no one will care." He dusted imaginary dirt from his trousers.
Florence walked from the clearing, whistling a tune. Casey heard her brother curse, Kelly too. She knew it took all their restraint from going after Florence. Patrick's temper was well known and Casey admired him.
~ * ~
Moya's wings fluttered and her fists clenched. She flew toward Florence with deadly intent. She hated Conn and what vile thoughts he must have put in the young man's head for him to do such a thing. To top things off, Conn didn't have enough courage to attend the duel he must have had a hand in.
"Hold it," Oran flew in front of Moya, stopping her before she gave herself away.
"Don't stop me! I canna stand between me and my revenge. This is reprehensible." She darted around Oran but found her temper had suddenly subsided a wee bit.
"You must see to your charge. It appears Casey may make a huge mistake. She cannot go with Kelly. Everyone will know about them and it is too soon. Go on, Moya, this will all turn out in the end."
Moya looked back to Casey. Oh yes, Casey had already marched up to Kelly and was about to address him. Moya feared she might say something she shouldn't. Darting that direction she thanked the heaven above. Patrick stepped in front of Casey just as Oran had stopped her before she did something stupid.
Patrick bent low and said something to his sister. The girl flushed then looked at Kelly before she turned around and walked away, Patrick with her.
Moya's heart squeezed tight. Tears welled in her eyes and she brushed them aside with a furious gesture.
"I canna stand to see you cry, Moya. It makes my heart break." Oran flew around Kelly, watching Moya and sprinkling a generous portion of faerie dust on the lad. "Everything will turn out as you wish it," he said. "Go to her tonight."
Moya breathed a dainty sigh of relief as she watched Oran. "Thank you," she whispered softly her hands clasped in front of her. She knew she would have to cast another spell on Casey to make sure this evening's rendezvous turned out the way they planned. Following Oran's lead she sprinkled dust on Casey too. "Go to the landing tonight. Meet your true love and cast your fate with this young man."
~ * ~
"What is this? And this?"
Kelly tossed a third pebble onto Casey's balcony. She stood silhouetted by the light behind her. Using the trellis to climb to the top, Kelly pulled himself over the railing. He couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. He was delighted with this endeavor.
"Get dressed. Meet me at the church--your church."
"What should--the women are crocheting prayer shawls."
"Perfect." Kelly leapt from over the railing and away from the trellis, flashing Casey another smile. He raced to the church, dashing past people strolling through town and even past some who rode horses. Once he reached the church, he paced--first the walkway to the church then around the building, gazing toward the ocean and the eastern horizon.
When he saw her, his breath caught in his throat. Dressed in a lavender day dress, her hair falling free to her waist, she was a vision that would remain in his heart and head forever.
Kelly stepped forward, held her hand in his and gazed awestruck into Casey's eyes. His heart thundered against his chest, his breath raced.
"I hurried," Casey said, breathless.
"You are beautiful."
"I--" Casey stammered, closing her eyes for a second. "You shouldn't say such things."
"For the rest of our lives--I will tell you how beautiful you are." For the rest of his life… Kelly's thoughts hit him in the gut. How? That single notion brought moisture to his eyes. Too many factors stood between them--their religion--the feud.
~ * ~
Moya fluttered around Casey, sighing over and over then sighing once more. She closed her eyes and remembered all the attempts she and Oran had tried in order to get this far.
"Marvelous," her breath whooshed softly from her lips. To see them better Moya opened her eyes, her smile must have reached all the way to her ears. "Don't think I need any magic this evening."
The setting was perfect. A few clouds drifted across the sun. Warm pink and peach colors stretched along the horizon. Evening blues darkened the sky enhancing the contrast between the setting sun hues. Moya's heart fluttered softly, butterflies danced around her, frogs croaked near the little stream wandering its way to the ocean.
"Looks as if all our work is paying off," Oran grinned broadly, giving himself a little pat on his back.
"Dinna slack off," Moya said. "Until they are wed, our work is not finished."
"I wasn't," Oran said, seeming too defensive, his wings rimmed with gold flecks.
"I'm sorry. It is just--well they have too many obstacles in their way," Moya said.
"It's not the feud that bothers me the most. One of them will have to convert. That will set their families against them again."
"Well, you are a doomsayer," Moya said as she watched the young couple stroll hand in hand to the church then disappear inside.
"Should we follow?"
"Are you daft old man? Of course we should go after them. There is no tellin' what mischief Conn will be up to."
"Come on then." Oran flew towards the bell tower.
With a smile touching her lips, Moya watched Oran disappear through the tower. A few seconds later she descended into the church.
"What is he doing here?" Oran shook his fist at
Florence who was standing by the altar. A priest stood by him in what seemed to be serious conversation.
"One can only guess," Moya said as she flew to the side room where Casey and Kelly were in deep conversation.
~ * ~
Florence looked toward the side room and scowled, his fury red hot and smoldering. He had plans but with every fork in the road his plans were foiled. The girl was a disaster but he wanted her, needed her fortune, and would move heaven and earth to see the grudge he held against Kelly seen to fruition.
He wanted the glory today. The priest was in agreement. He'd paid the man of God handsomely to help him win Casey's hand in marriage. The lies were circulating and it would not take long for Casey's mother to hear the rumors. Actually most of it was not lies. Casey was seeing Kelly, but he didn't believe Kelly had slept with the girl. But if he didn't move fast…
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